The final document is not a systematic literature review. It includes relevant research when available, as well as expert opinion on the current understanding of functional constipation in children with lower urinary tract symptoms. The document is intended to be clinically useful in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings.

Most of the children between 5 and 8 years of age have a medium-size bowel movement daily or every other day without straining or withholding. Although African American children toilet train at an earlier age than do white children, bowel habits appear to be similar. A sizeable subgroup of children presenting to primary care providers have a history that is consistent with constipation.

No abstract

Transabdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive and reliable alternative to assess the rectal filling state, and might replace digital rectal examination in the evaluation of children with constipation.